So, if a member of the family (Body of Christ) is going to be canonized, will I still be accused on jumping on the bandwagon by writing about him just like every other Catholic blog, newspaper, and news outlet. I’ve decided not to write much, there is so much you can read. See The Catholic Standard or or Zenit.
I want to share an excerpt from Newman that is part of the philosophy of Education Parish Service, where I worked for four years in Rome and ten years in Washington D.C. EPS is a lay formation program for Catholics adults, so it is not surprising that John Newman would be a guiding light. This piece however is what best describes why I am so passionate about my work.
“I want a laity, not arrogant, not rash in speech, not disputatious, but men [and women] who know their religion, who enter into it, who know just where they stand, who know what they hold and what they do not, who know their creed so well that they can give an account of it, who know so much of history that they can defend it. I want an intelligent, well-instructed laity – I wish [them] to enlarge [their] knowledge, to cultivate [their] reason, to get an insight into the relation of truth to truth, to learn to view things as they are, to understand how faith and reason stand to each other, what are the bases and principles of Catholicism.’ (Sermon 9, Duties of Catholics towards the Protestant View, 1851)
As we give thanks for the gift of Cardinal John Henry Newman and how he lived to perfection to vocation to which God called him, I pray our parishes will be the home of exactly this kind of person.
No accusations from me. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, few have done more than Protestant converts for the Catholic laity and Church in recent years. May the gifts they bring and their heroic example continue to multiply.
In light of the Holy Fathers homily at the beatification Mass this morning, I don’t think you’ll be accused of jumping on the bandwagon. You may, however, be accused of being a little prophetic if not spooky! Anyone who missed the Homily can view it here:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20100919_beatif-newman_en.html
One in mind and heart with the Holy Father! I am using the homily tonight to teach about saints. it is a keeper!
The brackets are unnecessary and only would confuse the reader. Newman spoke of all men when he said “men”, for example.
I tend to agree but for others who are quite sensitive it makes all the difference!
The particular dude that really does far more than he or she is paid for will certainly soon be paid for a lot more than he or she does
LOL
being rather lazy I type s/he instead of he or she.